It was supposed to be a regular Tuesday night. November 5, 2024. Most of the country was glued to election returns, but celebrity chef and former NFL player Tobias Dorzon was just heading home after a date night at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in D.C. He and his girlfriend, Crystal Swan, pulled up to his place in Hyattsville in an Uber.
Then everything went sideways.
As Dorzon stepped out to open the door for Crystal, a white SUV pulled up behind them. This wasn't a random encounter. Five armed men jumped out. They didn't just want his money; they opened fire.
The Night That Changed Everything
Basically, it was an ambush. Dorzon, who usually travels with security, happened to be without his detail that night. He's spoken about this since, questioning the "what ifs" that haunt anyone who has survived a trauma like this. He tried to shield Crystal, but the bullets started flying.
Tobias Dorzon was shot 11 times.
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Honestly, it’s a miracle he's still breathing. Crystal was hit too. While lying on the curb, blood everywhere, Dorzon did something almost unthinkable: he propped his phone up and FaceTimed his brother to tell him what was happening. A neighbor eventually called 911. The robbers made off with about $100,000 in jewelry, including a diamond necklace and an Audemars Piguet watch.
But they almost took his life.
What Happened to Tobias Dorzon During Recovery?
When he woke up in the hospital, the news wasn't good. Doctors told him he might never walk again. He had lost all feeling below his left knee. For a guy who spent years as a running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tennessee Titans, being told your legs are done is a special kind of hell.
He spent 60 days confined to a bed.
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Recovery was brutal. He has described it as "real rough," waking up in constant pain and trying to navigate a body that just wouldn't do what he told it to do. But if you know anything about the "Huncho House" chef, you know he isn't exactly the type to sit still.
- Surgeries: He underwent multiple reconstructive procedures.
- Physical Therapy: Three days a week, every week.
- Support System: His Food Network family, especially Guy Fieri, stayed in his corner. Fieri was reportedly calling constantly, checking on medical staff, and offering to order food for everyone.
By early 2025, just 65 days after the shooting, Dorzon did the impossible. He walked back into the kitchen of his restaurant, 1123 By Chef Tobias, for dinner service. He wasn't 100%, and he still has no feeling in one of his fingers, but he was standing.
The Search for Justice
What about the people who did this? In early 2025, police arrested 21-year-old Devon Demetrius Spivey. He’s facing 18 charges, including attempted first-degree murder and armed robbery. Cell phone records allegedly linked him to the scene.
As of early 2026, the investigation is still active regarding the other four suspects. It’s a slow process, which is frustrating for the community that sees Dorzon as a "hometown hero" in Prince George's County.
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Life in 2026: The "New Version" of Tobias
Today, Dorzon is back on our screens, but he's different. He’s admitted that he moves a little slower now. He can’t "blaze" through a kitchen like he used to during Tournament of Champions.
But there’s a silver lining he talks about a lot: his family. He has two daughters, Riley and Torienne, and he says the shooting acted like "glue" for them. It’s a heavy price to pay for perspective, but he seems to be leaning into it.
He’s also back to business. His restaurants, Huncho House and 1123, are still staples in Hyattsville. He recently appeared in the Food Network special Tournament of Champions: All-Star Christmas, proving that even with a cane and a few scars, his palate hasn't lost its edge.
What We Can Learn From His Story
If you’re looking for a takeaway, it’s basically this: your "landscape" can change in a heartbeat. Dorzon was at the top of his game—Maryland’s Chef of the Year—and then he was fighting for his life on a sidewalk.
Practical Steps for Supporting the Community:
- Support Local: If you're in the DMV area, visit Huncho House. Small businesses owned by survivors often face massive overhead during recovery.
- Stay Aware: Dorzon’s story is a reminder that even "safe" neighborhoods have blind spots. He’s mentioned he now sleeps with "one eye open."
- Follow the Case: Keeping public pressure on local authorities ensures that the remaining suspects aren't forgotten.
Tobias Dorzon is still here. He’s still cooking. He’s still chasing greatness. He’s just doing it with a little more gratitude and a lot more security.